Six Ways to Get Out of A Writing Slump

In a recent post, I wrote about the “slump” I encountered earlier this summer with my writing and creativity. As a follow-up, I created a post detailing the six ways to become inspired, disciplined, and motivated again.

If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas, go on Pinterest. Pinterest is a freakin’ goldmine. There are tons of images you can choose from if you need an idea, and I have several (secret) boards dedicated to the books I am writing or want to write. It’s a great way to visualize what your story might look like.

Read. Sometimes you just need to focus on someone else’s work. Also, forcing yourself to sit down and focus yourself on something helps when you sit down later in front of your laptop or notebook.

Focus on other aspects of your story or something else entirely different. If you’re attempting to write a book but you’re just not feeling it, try writing about a certain character’s backstory or build up other aspects of your story. Or write about something else that has nothing to do with your story. Look at different styles to change it up a bit, such as poetry, unique perspectives, and descriptive scenes. This way you can flex your writing muscles and help break your boredom at the same time.

Take a break. If you’ve been super focused on one project lately, you might be getting burned out. Sometimes taking a day or two to focus on other things in your life, things that don’t relate to writing, can help your mind recharge.

Look up writing prompts. If you just need to get your creative juices flowing, look at writing prompts to get a head start. This will help you become disciplined again if you haven’t written for a while as well. There are thousands of different prompts out there to help you think of ideas and keep writing, even if you don’t feel like it.

Write. Write a sentence, and another. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole page. Even if you feel like it’s your worst work ever, keep going. The best way to get out of writer slump? Power through it and keep writing.

The most important thing to remember is to never give up, and to not compare your writing with others’. Move at your own pace and focus on your own work. Worrying about what others doing will just take time away from you improving your writing.